Music Box Films has secured the U.S. distribution rights for the compelling documentary Naked Ambition, which chronicles the remarkable life of Bunny Yeager, a pioneering figure in photography and the feminist movement.
Music Box Films Acquires ‘Naked Ambition’ Documentary on Bunny Yeager
EXCLUSIVE: She was called the “prettiest photographer in the world.”
Music Box Films has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Naked Ambition, a documentary about Bunny Yeager who transitioned from posing for pinup images to photographing them herself, helping to popularize the bikini and discovering Bettie Page in the process. Directed by Dennis Scholl and Kareem Tabsch, the film premiered at DOC NYC and screened at the Miami Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, and more.
Music Box plans to release the film in select theaters on September 12. Below, you can find your first look at the documentary in the trailer.
Burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, photographer Bruce Weber, and the late Larry King – in his final screen appearance – are among those featured in the film. “Bunny was the most famous female photographer in America,” King states in the trailer.
“Bunny Yeager’s influence on the 20th century grew to incredible heights, though few know her name. Her photography career began after her work as a pinup model in the 1950s, paving the way for the feminist movement and sexual revolution through her work,” a release notes, adding that Yeager “shaped the image of Playboy and even created the selfie. However, as the changes she helped to create faced pushback, her name became forgotten…until now.”
In a statement, Music Box Films remarked, “Naked Ambition goes beyond Bunny’s photos; it showcases the sheer artistic brilliance with which Bunny Yeager was able to create undeniable change. She wasn’t just a model or a photographer; she was a woman with unbridled determination. We are thrilled to share this documentary not only with her diehard fans but especially with those who know her work without knowing her name.”
Tabsch’s credits include Mucho Mucho Amor (co-directed with Cristina Costantini) and The Last Resort (co-directed with Dennis Scholl).
“Bunny Yeager’s photographs are undeniably dazzling—bold, beautiful, and impeccably composed—but beneath the surface lies something even more radical,” Tabsch observed. “Through her lens, Bunny empowered women to present themselves on their own terms. Naked Ambition celebrates not just her artistry but how she used beauty as a tool for empowerment and self-determination.”
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Scholl, founder of Scholl Creative and director of The Last Resort (with Tabsch), co-produced and co-wrote the award-winning 2016 documentary Queen of Thursdays.
“My life and creative journey continue to be deeply rooted in celebrating art and artists,” Scholl commented. “With Naked Ambition, I was inspired by Bunny Yeager’s fearless artistry—her ability to reframe how women saw themselves and how the world perceived them. This film is a tribute to her vision and the lasting impact of her work.”
Naked Ambition is produced and directed by Dennis Scholl and Kareem Tabsch, with Dia Kontaxis producing and editing the film. Alex Fumero serves as executive producer, and cinematography is by Ed Talavera. Music Box Films will collaborate with strategic consulting agency Cultural Counsel, partnering on special theatrical and artist events during the film’s release.
The sale of Naked Ambition was negotiated by Brian Andreotti of Music Box Films and director Kareem Tabsch.
Watch the documentary trailer here:
